With liturgical commemoration and cultural festivities, the Maronite community united in Harris Park on Sunday 17 August to conclude two weeks of celebration for the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption.
After two weeks of daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and a slew of community events, the last day of celebrations began with a Mass presided by Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay OLM and assisted by Fr Danny Nouh, Dean of Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral.
This was followed by a festival of Lebanese culture, with local food and live music showcasing the fellowship and fidelity of the local community.
In his homily, Bishop Tarabay said Our Lady’s Assumption is the “ladder which bridges heaven and earth.”
“[Our Lady] is the Mother of God, the Temple of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
“She fulfils all these roles through her complete fidelity and obedience to God, and we have the great privilege of striving to follow her example.
“As we lift our hearts to heaven with her today, let us commit ourselves to living her example of faith and service.”
Bishop Tarabay also commented on how Our Lady acted as inspiration for the many good works contributed by the Maronite community this year, including those offered by MaroniteCare welfare agency and the Maronite Centre for Evangelisation.
“[These institutions] embody the church’s belief in the dignity of every human life, as well as support the church in its mission of catechesis,” he said.
“This year, we were called to express our hope in practical ways and make tangible changes in our lives, leading to new initiatives in our church communities.”
Fr Nouh later reflected on how Our Lady can act as a role model for a world dominated by conflict and polarisation.
“This year, we celebrate the Assumption under the parish theme: ‘Mother of God, you are our refuge and in you we place our hope’,” he said.
“In a world searching for meaning and reassurance, we turn to Mary, assumed into heaven, as a sign of hope and a sure refuge for all who trust in God’s promises.”
Fr Nouh also outlined how the Assumption was a time for Christians to spread the hope Our Lady grants us daily.
“Mary shows us that hope grows when it is shared,” he said.
“In times of difficulty she reminds us: don’t close in but reach out. Serve. Visit. Encourage.”
During the festival, volunteer and devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Lebanon Therese Jelwen said the celebration of the Assumption not only has enhanced the community’s connection with Our Lady, but has also enabled for greater connection for the younger demographic of the community to their culture.
“The Virgin Mary is our mother, the mother of all,” she said.
“She brings us together, uniting our families and our children.
“These spiritual celebrations help keep our youth and our future generations connected to their heritage and traditions.”
